Virgil Tacket

Virgil “Chuck” Tacket fell asleep in Jesus during the early hours of the new year, 2020.

He was born during a blizzard on March 26, 1923 in the tiny town of Hollister, Wisconsin. He was the eighth child of Minnie and Hiram Tacket. In addition to working hard on the farm, he graduated from White Lake High School in 1942 and was drafted into the US Army in 1943. After receiving basic training, he was sent overseas. His battalion landed in North Africa on Christmas Day, 1943. Chuck was sent to the front lines of Italy in February of 1944 for 14 months where he served his country proudly as a Staff Sergeant. It was there on the front lines that he prayed for the first time in his life. His service to his country continued until his discharge in October of 1945.

Upon returning home, he owned and operated a small country store in Hollister before leaving to attend Emmanuel Missionary College, now Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in 1955. During his time in college, he married the love of his life, Phylis Servi on June 17, 1951. They moved to California for a brief time before returning to Berrien Springs where they have lived ever since. Chuck worked as an accountant for some time before finding his true calling as a custom home builder. Working together with his partner Paul Cress, he built over 155 homes in the area. He was one of the founders of the Berrien County Home Builders Association, serving as its treasurer for a couple of years. He loved building, working with his hands, and took great pride in the quality and honesty of his work.

As an active member of Pioneer Memorial Church, he served as an elder and a member of the church board for 25 years. During his time on the Finance Committee, he was a leader in raising funds for the Andrews University Lab School, now known as Ruth Murdoch Elementary School.

One of his favorite pastimes was getting together with a group of close friends and going camping. He was the official fire builder of the camp group, being known to occasionally throw a tire on the fire just to make things interesting. Chuck cherished these memories.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Phylis Tacket; two children, Douglas(Tracy) and Judy; five grandchildren--Kaitlin Ball, Whitney Tacket, Jordan Oakley, Shane Oakley, and Cheyenne Oakley; and by three great-grandchildren. Chuck loved his family, his friends, and his church. He will be missed by many.

Services will be held on Sunday, January 12 at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. and the funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Contributions in his memory can be made to Your Story Hour in Berrien Springs. Online messages www.allredfuneralhome.com.